"Oh! that I could place myself at the head of my army and lead it onwards! They will make difficulties, raise obstacles. You know how many obstacles the general staff has already raised in the council of war."
He stood still, thinking deeply.
"Your majesty must command a protocol to be drawn up, that these obstacles may at least be stated in black and white," said Meding.
"It shall be done!" cried the king with energy. "You shall draw it up. I am answerable to history for what occurs, and for what is neglected."
An aide-de-camp from the general in command galloped up.
"General von Arentschildt begs your majesty at once to take up your head-quarters in Langensalza."
"To horse!" cried the king.
The aide-de-camp hurried away, the horses were brought, and the royal party moved down from the hill across the battle-field.
The king was grave and calm as he rode towards the town. Heaps of dead bodies lay on the road near the mill, and the horses' hoofs were reddened by the blood which stood on the ground in great pools. The king saw it not. He heard the "hurrahs" of the soldiers he met, and the loud cheers with which they greeted him; no pride of victory kindled in his noble face; he sat on his horse cold and silent; he thought of the slain, who had bought him this victory with their lives, he thought of the future, and with anxious care he asked himself whether this victory would yield the fruit desired, and extricate the army from the dangerous position into which it had been led.
The royal head-quarters were established in the Schützhaus at Langensalza.